Goma Fada Vanguard MTG Card

Mana cost
Converted mana cost	2
Rarity	Uncommon
Type	Creature — Human Warrior
Released	2020-09-25
Set symbol
Set name	Zendikar Rising
Set code	ZNR
Power	2
Toughness	2
Number	141
Frame	2015
Layout	Normal
Border	Black
Illustred by	Sean Sevestre

Key Takeaways

Goma Fada Vanguard offers tactical combat control, forcing opponents into disadvantageous blocks.
Fits aggressive red-centric strategies, potentially accelerating your attack phases in MTG.
Requires strategic hand management due to its discard ability activation cost.

Text of card

Whenever Goma Fada Vanguard attacks, target creature an opponent controls with power less than or equal to the number of Warriors you control can't block this turn.

"Her weapon's impressive, sure. But you should see her wield it." —Gred, expedition warrior

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Goma Fada Vanguard can potentially disrupt multiple blockers with its ability, thinning out your opponent’s defenses and making way for other attackers to get through more easily. While it doesn’t draw you cards directly, it aids in preserving your board presence, which is a form of advantage.

Resource Acceleration: Although not a direct source of resource acceleration like Mana Ramp cards, Goma Fada Vanguard facilitates more efficient combat by allowing your attacking Allies to become more potent, effectively accelerating your game plan and pressuring your opponent’s resources.

Instant Speed: The ability to use Goma Fada Vanguard’s ally trigger at instant speed during combat gives you the upper hand, allowing you to make on-the-spot decisions that can turn the tide of battle in your favor. This flexibility can catch an opponent off-guard, especially during complex combat scenarios.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Goma Fada Vanguard demands a nonland card from your hand to activate its ability. This cost can strain your hand, especially in the late-game when resources can be particularly scarce.

Specific Mana Cost: Sporting a mana value that specifically requires red, this card can’t always smoothly fit outside mono-red or red-centric builds. This reduces its flexibility across the diverse metagame.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Investing two mana for a 2/2 creature might not be the most cost-effective option. Comparable cards at this mana value may offer immediate impact or greater stats, which potentially dampens the appeal of Goma Fada Vanguard in decks where mana efficiency is paramount.

Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Goma Fada Vanguard is a flexible ally that suits a range of aggressive strategies, sliding easily into a deck that values quick, potent attacks.

Combo Potential: This creature is perfect for synergizing with equipment and auras, as it helps clear potential blockers, paving the way for a devastating combat phase.

Meta-Relevance: In environments where combat is king, Goma Fada Vanguard ensures your other creatures can press the advantage, making it a tactical asset against decks that rely heavily on blockers.

How to Beat

Goma Fada Vanguard is a powerhouse in a deck focused on aggressive strategies within the MTG realm. Its ability to beckon creatures to block and potentially clear a path for other attackers can turn the tides of battle swiftly. To effectively counter this mighty Ally Knight, consider employing removal spells that can target creatures regardless of their size or abilities.

Cards such as Fatal Push and Path to Exile are excellent choices to overcome Goma Fada Vanguard’s combat tactics. Spells that offer flexibility, like Abrade or a well-timed Cast Down, also work wonders in removing this potent threat from the board. It’s vital to disrupt the synergy it creates and diminish the momentum it gives to your opponent’s creature-based strategies.

Ultimately, being proactive and keeping your opponent’s board clear of influential creatures like Goma Fada Vanguard can help maintain control over the game. Effective elimination of this card before it can exert its influence is key, ensuring that your opponent’s aggressive strategies are kept at bay.

Cards like Goma Fada Vanguard

Goma Fada Vanguard is an intriguing creature card for MTG players who value aggressive strategies. It holds a resemblance to other battlefield enhancers such as Goblin Bushwhacker, which also provides a temporary boost to your creatures, empowering them to tackle the opponent’s defenses. Nevertheless, Goma Fada Vanguard differentiates itself by imposing that attacking allies must be either blocked by two or more creatures or not at all, making it a tactical asset in go-wide strategies.

Comparably, Break Through the Line is another card that shares the concept of disruption in enemy lines. It grants your creatures with power two or less the ability to be unblockable, ensuring damage delivery directly to the opponent. Though this card offers more consistent evasion, it lacks the perpetual board presence offered by Goma Fada Vanguard.

To wrap up, Goma Fada Vanguard is a solid option for players crafting an attack-oriented deck that seeks to limit opponent blocking options. While there are similarities with other cards, Goma Fada Vanguard’s unique restrictions on how creatures can be blocked gives it a niche role that can be pivotal in overwhelming an opponent’s defenses in MTG.

Break Through the Line - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Goma Fada Vanguard by color, type and mana cost

Goblin Elite Infantry - MTG Card versions

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Goma Fada Vanguard MTG card by a specific set like Zendikar Rising, there are several reliable options to consider. One of the primary sources is your local game store, where you can often find booster packs, individual cards, and preconstructed decks from current and some past sets. They often offer the added benefit of a community where you can trade with other players.

For a broader inventory, particularly of older sets, online marketplaces like TCGPlayer, Card Kingdom and Card Market offer extensive selections and allow you to search for cards from specific sets. Larger e-commerce platforms like eBay and Amazon also have listings from various sellers, which can be a good place to look for sealed product and rare finds.

Additionally, Magic’s official site often has a store locator and retailer lists for finding Wizards of the Coast licensed products. Remember to check for authenticity and the condition of the cards when purchasing, especially from individual sellers on larger marketplaces.

Below is a list of some store websites where you can buy the Goma Fada Vanguard and other MTG cards:

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Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Goma Fada Vanguard has restrictions

Format	Legality
Commander	Legal
Legacy	Legal
Paupercommander	Restricted
Modern	Legal
Oathbreaker	Legal
Vintage	Legal
Duel	Legal
Explorer	Legal
Gladiator	Legal
Pioneer	Legal
Penny	Legal
Timeless	Legal

Rules and information

The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Goma Fada Vanguard card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.

Date	Text
2020-09-25	The power of the target creature and the number of Warriors you control are checked only as Goma Fada Vanguard’s ability is put onto the stack and as that ability resolves. If the creature’s power becomes greater after the ability has resolved, it still can’t block.
2020-09-25	The target creature is restricted from blocking anything, not just Goma Fada Vanguard.